Friday Faithfuls Two: Philippians

 Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

Philippians, y'all.  Paul writing to some of the people he knew well, who had become believers because of his ministry and who had supported him when no one else did.

He loved these folks.

And, because I was specifically reminded of this passage at last night's choir practice, it kind of explains why it seemed highlighted. And the fact that it was the theme passage, repeated almost weekly, of the girls' ministry program I worked in for ten years.  

So... a passage with history, that was highlighted this week.  Yeah.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy --  think about such things. Phil. 4:8, NIV84.

The power of positive thinking, eh?  Paul, writing while imprisoned y'all, writes that folks should think about things that are true, noble, right pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and/or praiseworthy.  That takes some real discipline.

There are times when it's oddly satisfying to wallow in the unfairness, in the victimhood, in the entitlement...kind of like picking at a scab.  It doesn't do any good at all, and can, in fact, make things worse, but there's that weird perverse appetite for such things.

Paul, however, offers an option. An out.  Instead of thinking about all the yuck, think about all the good.  

Picking at a scab keeps it from healing...and can even allow infection to fester.  Focusing on resentment and envy and disappointment and the like can do a similar thing to the spirit.

Actually, the whole book of Philippians talks about keeping a good attitude.  That's just kind of a practical snippet.  It's only 4 chapters...give it a read through whenever you feel like the ol' attitude is beginning to sag.

And think on those things.